Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Panama City, FL
Considering a move to Panama City, FL? With a population of just under 34,000, this Gulf Coast city is known for its warm climate, affordable housing (median price around $229,000), and easy-going lifestyle. Cost of living is below the national average, and commute times are short at about 20 minutes. While crime rates are higher than national norms, residents enjoy excellent beach access, a growing job market, and several local colleges. Discover more about schools, healthcare, and neighborhood trends to decide if Panama City is right for you.
Demographics - Panama City, FL
Demographics - Panama City, FL
Panama City, FL is home to nearly 34,000 residents, with a median age of 39.7 and a population density of 1,380 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White (65.2%), with a significant Black population (22.8%) and a small percentage of Asian and other groups. Non-English speakers make up about 8.6% of the population, reflecting moderate cultural diversity.
Population:
33,983
Density:
1,380 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.7
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
65.2%
Black:
22.8%
Asian:
2.3%
Others:
9.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Panama City, FL?
Panama City offers a cost of living below the national average, with a median home value of $229,000 and average rent around $1,130 per month. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and Florida’s lack of state income tax adds to the city’s affordability. Residents enjoy a good balance between housing costs and everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$229,000
Gross Rent:
$1,130
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,390
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.3
Grocery:
97.1
Housing:
79.0
Utilities:
103.4
Transportation:
93.6
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
94.5
Crime
Is Panama City, FL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Panama City are higher than many U.S. cities, with a violent crime rate of 667 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 3,022 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 150 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 33 chance for property crime. While safety is a concern, many neighborhoods remain welcoming and family-friendly.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
667
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,022
Crime Index:
3,689
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 150
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 33
Weather
What is the weather like in Panama City, FL year-round?
Panama City boasts a warm coastal climate, with mild winters averaging 46–65°F and hot summers reaching 75–90°F. The city enjoys about 69% sunny days each year and receives over 62 inches of annual rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Seasonal variations are gentle, ensuring comfortable weather year-round.
Winter
Min:
46°F
Max:
65°F
Spring
Min:
57°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
75°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
62.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
Local households in Panama City have a median income of $56,749, with a per capita income of $29,100 and a poverty rate of 16.5%. Most residents commute about 20 minutes to work, and only a small fraction use public transportation. The community is moderately educated, with 89% holding at least a high school diploma and 25% earning a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Median Income:
$38,700
Household Income:
$56,749
Family Income:
$69,100
Per Capita Income:
$29,100
Income Male:
$41,400
Income Female:
$32,800
Poverty Rate:
16.5%
Non English Speakers:
8.6%
Rent:
$1,130
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
20.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.0%
Bachelors or More:
25.4%
Education
How are the schools in Panama City, FL?
Panama City offers a range of educational options, including well-rated public and private schools, as well as higher education institutions like Gulf Coast State College and Florida State University Panama City. Student-to-teacher ratios are favorable, providing a supportive learning environment. The city’s educational resources serve families and students from elementary through college level.
Public Schools
Name:
Jinks Middle School
Street:
600 W 11th St
Phone:
850-767-4730
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
Lucille Moore Elementary School
Street:
1900 Michigan Ave
Phone:
850-767-1428
Students:
680
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Private Schools
Name:
Bay Haven Charter Academy
Street:
2501 Hawks Landing Blvd
Phone:
850-248-3500
Students:
1,000
Colleges
Name:
Gulf Coast State College
City:
Panama City
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,700
Name:
Florida State University Panama City
City:
Panama City
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare through major hospitals like Ascension Sacred Heart Bay and HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital, both offering emergency services. With approximately 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and an 85.7% health insurance coverage rate, healthcare is readily available. The city’s healthcare index reflects generally good access and services for most residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ascension Sacred Heart Bay
Address:
615 N Bonita Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone:
(850) 769-1511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital
Address:
449 W 23rd St, Panama City, FL 32405
Phone:
(850) 769-8341
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.7%
Health Care Index:
76.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Panama City, FL?
The Panama City housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $229,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,130. Homeownership is slightly above half at 53.8%, and the market has seen a 7.3% appreciation over the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating a stable and attractive market for buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$229,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,130
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Panama City are managed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, located at 2333 US-231. Residents can access driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other services both in person and online through the state DMV website. The local office is easily reachable for all standard motor vehicle needs.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
2333 US-231, Panama City, FL 32405
Phone:
850-872-4145
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.